Reese Ventura, our 2024 Springboard FutureChef Champion, celebrated her victory by attending the prestigious Royal Ascot as part of her prize for winning, where she triumphed over more than 13,000 participants from 515 schools. Reese enjoyed a weekend filled with gourmet dining and invaluable work experience in a vibrant atmosphere.

Reese’s prize began on Friday 21^st June where she enjoyed a private a tour of the prestigious Eton College and a boat ride along the Dorney Olympic Rowing Lake where she spotted some of the athletes training. After which she enjoyed afternoon tea and later in the evening a delectable dining experience at Spiringboard FutureChef Head Judge, Adam Handling’s The Loch and Tyne. Here, Reese was joined by her family to share the incredible prize.

The following day, it was an early start for Reese where she was taken to Ascot at 8am by David Mulchay, Springboard FutureChef Chairman. She worked closely with renowned Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen at her kitchen in the Royal Enclosure preparing the food for the day ahead. She also met Gemma Amor, Executive Chef at Ascot and Ben Dutson, the Culinary Director at Sodexo Live, Sports, and Leisure division. But it was not all work for Reese on the day as she and her family got to enjoy the fantastic hospitality on offer at Royal Ascot too.

Reese said, “Winning the Springboard FutureChef competition was an incredible experience, filled with memorable moments. As part of my prize, I enjoyed a private tour of Eton College and visited the Dorney Olympic Rowing Lakes, where I got to take a boat ride around the course and saw actual athletes training and rowing – who at some point went faster than us even when we had an engine. I indulged in a delectable afternoon tea at the facility made by Chef Steve with a view of the lake and later dined at The Loch & the Tyne by Adam Handling, where the rhubarb and custard soft serve, had these amazing crunchy bits which made my sister and I fight over, was a highlight I still dream about. During the dinner, Chef David managed to face time Adam Handling where he gave me great advice and many congratulations on my win, but more excitingly he showed me his workspace for the next few days which was for Taylor Swift at the Eras Tour. The next day, I had the privilege of cooking alongside Chef Lisa in the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot prepping and plating snacks, before dressing up and enjoying an afternoon of watching horse racing. The entire experience has allowed me to explore my passion for culinary arts and the industry whilst having fun as a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget.”